SIDEWALKS FOR RESILIENT FILIPINOS

A thriving community largely depends on having an efficient road system that moves people and goods from one location to another by vehicle and foot.

Urban sprawl and the growing mismatch between residential and employment locations result in worsening traffic congestion along major roads in Metro Manila, which commuters, who are mostly hardworking Filipinos traveling for work, have to contend with daily. Relying on public transportation as your primary means of mobility puts you at an extreme disadvantage since it takes away time, effort, energy, and money. Biking or using a scooter to get around the city is an alternative, but too risky. Walking, as the most basic, inclusive, practical, and reliable way to go around, is also an option.

However, most Metro Manila's current roads seem to discourage walkability. There were few to no designated pedestrian lanes, and where they do exist, they are often dangerously narrow or full of obstructions. Sidewalks in the country are notorious for varying in size and safety, with some so narrow, and some full of illegal encroachments that pedestrians have no option but to walk on the road, putting themselves in harm’s way. Apart from that, poor pavement quality and lack of maintenance contribute to the deterioration of sidewalks and increase the risk of accidents. This demonstrates how pedestrian safety is not given enough consideration in current transportation planning and policy development.

Sidewalks play a vital role in city life as they improve connectivity and encourage walkability by acting as a route for pedestrian access and movement, which is highly desired by many parts of our society, including the elderly and disabled who cannot drive, those who want to shop locally and leave their cars at home, and many others who want to go outside for exercise and a mental health break. The sidewalk network, which improves livability, safety, and community health, significantly raises our quality of life.

Accessibility, Safety, Comfort, Scale, and Convenience are fundamental considerations for efficient sidewalk design.

Accessible sidewalks can be used by nearly everyone and follow the 8 to 80 rules. It is a theory that states that urban spaces should be enjoyable for both eight years old and eighty years old. Public spaces that will be usable by both categories shall suit the needs of most residents. Features like curbs, intersections, and rumble strips shall be provided to tell people they're approaching the street. Sidewalks should have as few joints as possible, with minimal deepness of joints, and be made with a flat, non-slip surface for people with mobility devices.

Sidewalks should also be safe for users. They support traffic calming through visual cues from amenities such as benches, streetlamps, bollards, raised curbed sidewalks, and crosswalks triggering traffic to slow down and be more cautious making the street safer not only for pedestrians but also for drivers.

To provide pedestrians with some comfort in the harsh tropical climates, sidewalks can have amenities like benches, green spaces, and other shading structures.

The scale of the sidewalk must be appropriate and shall meet the needs of the neighborhood. Not all sidewalk designs will work for every street. Sidewalks that are wide at low-traffic areas can be underutilized or sterile. Narrow sidewalks at high-traffic areas can become congested and deter people from walking.

Having sidewalks that connect people's homes, transit stops, shops, services, and other network green lanes or trails is essential to encourage people to use sidewalks and get active.

Nowadays, there have been moves toward improving urban mobility around the metropolis. It has been evident in one of the major business districts in the Philippines, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, with its distinct urban design, that even the walk between the establishments is an experience. You’ll find that most streets around the city have green spaces and wide and clean sidewalks that span two meters or more. Metal barriers are even present on sidewalks to add a layer of protection between the pedestrian and the road.

Architects can positively impact the lives of many by building for the future and creating communities that last. The condition of streetscapes in the Philippines calls for the encouragement of efficient urban planning concepts and policies that enable architects to create buildings and public spaces that address today’s climatic and social challenges for resilient communities.